Today is a cruisey day, a tidy 700km odd day to meet a bunch of like minded long distance riders for dinner in Cobar before heading out tomorrow morning for the Memorial at Netallie Rest Area just west of Wilcannia NSW.

A beautiful day to be out on Dudley a little fresh so the heated suit is needed for now and off we head (Dudley & I) to Holbrook through Lankey Creek before crossing over and heading up the back way to Wagga. Into Wagga for fuel and to grab coffee (naturally) and some pastries for tomorrows morning tea at the Memorial.

Out of Wagga, through Temora, wave through West Wyalong before coming to Unagarie where I pulled up under a tree to take a pic of the Big Sherrin Football (11:30am), have a stretch and a drink before heading off again. Feeling a tad warm but a little refreshed, we head off again to Lake Cargelligo.

Into Lake Cargelligo for fuel, grab some lunch and in dire need of the public facilities. I ask a serviceman (ambo or fire not sure) if there were public facilities in town, have the usual chat….you on your own, where you headed, have a great day and I was off.

Had a nice break in the Apex rotunda at the park opposite the information centre, then set off to grab a Silo Art pic on the way out of town (12:51pm)

Dudley and I headed north on the Tipping Way towards Cobar feeling good and looking forward to seeing our friends tonight for dinner.

The roads are long, straight and mostly flat with some undulations thrown in for good measure. It’s a beautiful day to be out riding around, listening to country music and enjoying the head space.

Unfortunately, we didn’t make dinner and the end of Dudley’s and my ride concludes 12km south of Mount Hope on the Tipping Way.

Surprise, surprise My Sweety Karl is joining me on this years adventure….YAY

Are we ride fit, ah that would be a definite NO. Does it bother me if I don’t get a start docket …maybe, but let’s wait til the journey begins. Does Karl mind, well let’s just say he is a little concerned about our fitness & the conditions.

Day 1 is Home in Corryong to the Citrus Valley Motel in Renmark.

Start docket for me in hand and we are off into the bloody freezing morning at 8:45am. Freezing, depending when you look at the ambient temp gauge on the bike which varied from -3 degrees to -5 degrees. I had ICE on my gloves, jacket and Dudley’s screen, the mirrors were useless, and the fog was thick. Needless to say it was a slow ride out to Albury, where we head into sunshine, cool temps and fuel & early lunch in Finley. Deniliquin, then turn of at Pretty Pine, through Moulemein (roads in better condition than last year but still not fabulous), before arriving in Balranald for fuel.

New helmet fitted with comms isn’t sorted out and then add glasses and you have uncomfortable pressure points where your ears are screaming at you. Karl’s butt is sore, he has sore ears too and we are both out of condition. I didn’t think the wind was too bad but there was no way I was going to make Renmark 310km, so a splash and dash at Buronga and use of the facilities was in order. Slow afternoon through Mildura as the sun starts to lower and is blinding. We pull into the Cirtus Valley Motor Inn at 6ish, then head down the road for a Chinese feed.

Wrap up for the day, necks sore, ears have sore points that I didn’t know existed, heated gear is a blessing and the new Camelbak is a pain in the arse – some MacGyvering is needed on this to get it to work for me. It’s lovely to have Karl along and he also has sore ears, neck & butt and a few more pains since he hasn’t ridden for ages.

About 3 roos, a dead wombat and that was pretty much it.

SCDR ride completed at 892.2kms for the day.

Day 2 – Renmark to Streaky Bay SA.

Out a little earlier than the plan which meant we had more time to have coffee & Karl breaky in Burra @ St Just Café.

This is the 1^st time that I have ridden out of Renmark in daylight which was nice and thankfully uneventful with only a few roos that weren’t terribly interested in us. The wind will be our nemesis today and by the time we got to Burra, I’d lost 40 kms on the tank which required me to do a splash & dash in town before heading out. Highly recommend the St Just Café if you are in Burra for breakky or even morning tea….the cakes display was very tempting (good reason to come back). The wind only preceded to get worse as the day went on. However, it didn’t take away how pretty the countryside is through that area leading through the hills into Crystal Brook. Green as green as can be and peaceful except for the wind noise. Out onto the A1 and into Warnertown for fuel and happy to get the helmet off and readjust the glasses and comms earpieces – still causing heaps of pain. Beautiful day to be out if only the wind would go away. Its seriously like doing a workout battling the wind and the oncoming road trains which are in abundance.

It’s quite unusual for Karl to sit behind me so when his highbeams would come on “all of a sudden”, I’d back off to see what was wrong. Seems his gloves hit it without him realising until I’ve slowed down so much that I can see him waving at me to keep going…LOL

Through The Gutter, past Iron Knob and into Kimba for lunch & a break. The roads are long out here with a slight curve every now and again but the scenery changes, whether it be the cloud formations or the vegetation…it’s still beautiful. Half Way Across Australia is the town of Kimba, also home of the Big Galah, some silo art and a pretty special moment to have Karl with me.

Lunch was unexciting, fuel is getting more expensive and the windy just isn’t going away. Through Wudinna and just out of Poochera we take a “left turn Clyde” to head towards Streaky Bay our stop for the night. Fuel and off to the Discovery Park Foreshore Streaky Bay to our cabin by the bay.

Courtesy bus to the pub…bonus and there are heaps of other riders there too, some old friends of mine all headed for the same destination Border Village. Unusual for me to be chatty..LOL but it’s been a whole year since I’ve seen these guys. Introduce Karl – see he “does” exist and we tuck unto our dinner.

Have I mentioned how bad the winds were?? We had tail winds, head winds, cross winds and human winds (although those ones didn’t really affect the fuel economy but sure made you feel better) the entire day. Was glad to get off and not feel like I was better battered.

Into bed for a decent sleep.

Day 3 – Streaky Bay to Border Village.

Good morning Streaky Bay!! Overcast skies but thought we would be ok but I was wrong and we had some rain most of the way from Smoky Bay to Ceduna. Not enough to get you real wet but enough to make you a little cautious and hoping it doesn’t get any heavier. Pop out onto the A1 just out of Ceduna then into the Highway One OTR for Karl’s breaky and coffee. We are both still having issues with our ears getting so sore in the helmet. Karl seems to think it’s his ear moulds, I seem to think it’s the earphones and pressure from my balaclava. A few more adjustments and we’ll see how we go…..gotta get it right eventually.

Slight breeze today but nothing like yesterday thank heavens for that. The road surface changes from here on (I don’t know why) but the scenery continues to be beautiful. Some would say there is nothing out there to look at but I don’t see it that way and there is so much beauty in the outback that the average person just doesn’t get to experience. Guess Karl & I are lucky people.

Into Penong for fuel and some fella’s from last year also roll in. Lance, his son Dan, mates Adam & Chris (although I didn’t get their names right until we got to BV but I did remember their faces). We are all warned that there is a floating copper with radar in the area (how big is the area, well that is undetermined) so with caution we head off sticking to the speed limit.  We were almost at Yatala when we approach a slow-moving caravan, but I noticed in front of that Mr Plod sitting a steady 100kph by the speedo. I overtook the caravan but was a little nervous to overtake Mr Plod until Karl went past all of us…onya Sweety. So, when I had the chance did the same thing, politely nodding to Mr Plod as I passed and gave him a wave when I pulled in. Cautious not to do the wrong thing it took a bit to get some distance between us before you could wind on a little and sit a bit more comfortably.

The ribbon of road we are travelling just goes on forever, but we finally make Nullarbor Roadhouse for lunch and I told Karl it was “play tourist” time. Fuel & lunch done, then off to get some happy snaps. Fuel here was $2.92/lt and that was for 95 but you take what you can get as there is NO other option.

Last leg for the day, the final 184kms to Border Village. I thought we’d see a lot more bikes than what we have so far today, especially since last year by this time Nullarbor Roadhouse was packed and there was a steady stream of riders all heading out in what looked like a convoy. Never mind, it’s good not to have to wait and to have the road to yourself. As we turned out onto the A1 again, we were asked to move off onto the verge for a big arse oversized load that had full on police escorts. They were carrying buckets for dozers that were seriously as wide as the entire highway and you HAD to get off the road. Imagine the digger those things were to go on HUGE!!!

There’s something about knowing you are on the last leg that makes it go longer and everything seems to get sorer for some reason, and we were both feeling this. The ribbon of road undulating as you got glimpses of the Great Australian Bight but I was not pulling off into those lookout bays as I have learned my lesson…maybe on the way back we might stop.

5km to Border Village, the sign that says all your aching parts can have some relief when you park up and we arrive…YAY!!!

Check in, unpack, rest….ahhh.

The time here really messes with my head so we had an early dinner for ACST but closer to our own real dinner time, did a little bit of socialising, grab some more touristy pics and headed back to the cabin for the night. Showered and ready for bed…don’t care if I sleep till 10 tomorrow.

Day 4 – Border Village Rest Day

We both got a good night’s sleep which is unusual when we travel but we obviously needed it. It’s fresh and a cooked breaky is calling. Poached eggs on toast and the worst coffee of the trip so far for me and bacon & egg roll for Karl which set us back a pretty penny but that is the outback price. Everything must be trucked in, all the power is run on a genny and then wages so it is what it is.

Some more touristy photo time, SA/WA Border sign (which is still in disrepair), Welcome to Western Australia sign, beautiful fresh outback morning, and a very quiet village…the calm before the storm.

Not having travelled past the quarantine station into WA we went down the road to Eucla with Bill & Hoffy. Eucla a tiny blip on the map with a motel that has a nice looking café/restaurant, a museum which has some interesting stuff in there and the old Telegraph Station. The Telegraph Station is now derelict and mostly covered in the sand dunes but is well worth the trip down the gravel road and walk through the dunes to reach it. When you see the pics in the museum of when it was erected on a flat plain where women used to pass messages from SA & WA from one side of a wall through a port hole to the other side is amazing….not to mention the time difference that happened between that magical port hole which is a whole other story but is the reason for the funky time zone for Eucla/Border Village area.

Today is expected to be busy, lots of motorcyclists from all over the place will roll in today some part of clubs like us (SCDR – Southern Cross Distance Riders) and others just travelling to meet old friends……it’s a great time and I love it!!  Watching old friends arrive, one “on the clock” so it was a quick check his docket so he could be off again to meet his ride schedule. Others arrive for the night and it’s BIG huge gathering all round. We have the official check-in for the SCDR Border Run with the group photo done out at the SA/WA Border sign – Border Run complete.

More socialising and some rest before a dinner full of fun and frivolity with wonderful blokes and lots of laughs. Must be getting old or time zones have messed with us but we seemed to fade very quickly and say our goodnights and farewells – ride safe and we head for bed.

Day 5 – Border Village to Wudinna

Woken by some engines wanting to get away early (I think about 5am) but dozed on and off as we listened to more engines coming to life and departing. We pack and for a change aren’t the last to leave, in fact not even close..lol. The cloud cover was heavy which shielded the rising sun from our eyes but held the colour of rain and just knew we were going to get wet. The roads wet, it starts to rain but not that drenching rain just enough to make the road a bit slippy. Just before the roadhouse you have to get THAT photo (even if it is sprinkling).

184km to Nullarbor Roadhouse for fuel and Karl’s breaky, coffee for me and more friends pull in after us. Joined by Chicky, Quinny, Macca, Bill, Trevor & Possum where we enjoy some laughs before it’s time to head off again into the rain where we no doubt will meet up with these guys again. Penong for fuel & yep the boys pull in after us. Karl found an old FarRider cap which someone left behind, so when we get to Wudinna tonight I find out who owns it and arrange for it’s return.

It’s uneventful crossing the Nullarbor, there’s barely a bend in the road but we continue on and pull into Ceduna for fuel and go in search of a café to get some lunch. Well, on a Sunday – fat chance of that. The only place (other than the roadhouse) was “Bill’s Chicken Shop” so that’s where we pulled up. Allo and behold who should also arrive but our stalkers – the boys….LOL. The guys are really a barrel of laughs and I would gladly travel with them any day of the week…..if only for the laughs. They are stopping in Ceduna tonight but Karl & I still have 211kms to go to reach Wudinna, so we are on our bikes and off again. Still raining and just over 2 hours later we get fuel at the Wudinna roadhouse before turning into town and locating the Wudinna Hotel Motel.

So glad I booked us here, best accommodation we’ve had so far and attached to a lovely pub with great dining room. Into get dinner and bump into Nick “Super Frog” & Steve already seated, so we join them for dinner and conversation before heading back to our room as we are beat. Another good nights sleep and Karl wakes we up at 8AM….what!! We’d picked up our continental breaky the night before and had a nice breaky and late start – Nick & Steve were long gone.

Day 7 – Wudinna to Quorn

It poured down last night and this morning everything is wet and the fog is heavy & a bit chilly. Karl led us out and it’s slow going at 80kph. Again, the cloud & fog hid the sun so we weren’t blinded by the sun however we were blinded by the fog and so was everyone else. Caravaners travelling slow & slower with overtaking made difficult due to poor visibility. Eventually we passed them and rose out of the fog just west of Kimba and had beautiful fresh mornings run into Port Augusta.

A splash and dash for fuel at the BP out of town before heading north for a stop in Quorn for 2 nights. We were in shock because on this road there is, wait for it…….twisties!!! Not many but enough to give you a little bit of excitement and then you arrive in Quorn.

There’s even a “Superman” phone box in town…..if I wait long enough maybe “Karl Kent” will show up. The Transcontinental Hotel for dinner where we had lovely local lamb before going up to watch the Silo Art Light Show. It’s cold and the show goes for 3hrs but we could only do an 1hr before heading back to the warmth of our room.

No alarm for the morning so we can get a sleep in on our day of rest.

Day 8 – Quorn Exploring

Woke to the silence of a country town, bliss. Our day of rest includes laundry duties (which the owner kindly allowed us to utilise since the laundromat has closed down). So, with washing on, it’s off to have a morning coffee at the Scruffy Fella Café. It’s an artisan café run by two lovely bearded fella’s and the resident pooches Harry & Willie. The coffee is good and will be back for afternoon tea there.

More walking to have breaky at Tea’s on the Terrace. Naturally you have to have the tea which is served up in beautiful china tea pots and cups with saucers…..very refined.

The rest of the morning was off walking around town visiting the stores that are open, the railway station / museum, the Bush Tucker Trail and seeing more lovely old buildings and some local mural art.

Back to check on the washing and relax in the sun reading my book while Karl is relaxing inside. Whiling the afternoon away is just so lovely when you have no timelines to meet. We head off to the Scuffy Fella Café for afternoon tea & get some pats in with Harry & Willie before we leave. Thought we’d try the other pub in town The Austral and ordered 2x entrée tasting platters which were ok and the pub was quiet cos it’s Schnitty night at the Trans so everyone was there…lol. Another little walk back to our apartment for a quiet night in and good sleep.

Day 9 – Quorn to Broken Hill

Well, we woke to a beautiful sun filled morning with birdies tweeting. We’re away earlier than anticipated on empty roads through green fields and through Wilmington before heading into Orroroo. The obligatory touristy photos before locating a lovely little café called Two Farmers Daughters. Karl had breaky & coffee, I had a darn good hot chocolate. I then took myself off for a little walk of the main street.

From here we head east towards Peterborough for a quick photo. Peterborough brings back heaps of great memories from the Black Dog Ride in 2012 where I made a some very special friends and we made fabulous memories. There aren’t many bends so it’s more straight roads with a little bit of traffic and before long we were pulling into Yunta for fuel.

I forgot to tell Karl that from here we WILL encounter goats and emu. We saw 1000’s of goats and some long-legged feather dusters (which left us alone) along the entire 200kms to Broken Hill. We arrive approx. 1:30pm, unpack and go for a little walk around the block. We went to the art gallery and weren’t impressed with what was on show. Some looked like Howie & Lucy slipped and wiped their tails across the canvas. I dragged Karl into a few more shops before heading back to our room for a rest.

We went up to the Line of Lode Miners Memorial to watch the setting sun and were not disappointed. It’s a bit chilly up there though but it was well worth it. I also got to sit in the biggest chair I have ever seen – felt like Paul Bunyip was gonna turn up at any minute. Dinner at the Chinese Restaurant before retiring for the night.

Day 10 – Broken Hill Exploring

Nice to sleep in again with no pressure and all the time in the world. On our walk around yesterday we spotted a café that we had breaky in this morning. A little bit of sophistication this morning. Another quirky urban café called The Silly Goat. They serve Cats Pajamas Coffee…..hope the pussies aren’t cold without their pj’s this morning. Karl had Perusian Mushrooms on sourdough and I had the poached eggs and we both had coffee….all was delicious.

Today we are out playing tourist again walking around Broken Hill and includes a trip to Silverton – 26km from Broken Hill. It’s red dirt country and the roads feel like you are riding over small corrugated tin that jiggles all your bits and all the other bits you didn’t know you had to jiggle. You cannot guarantee seeing the local donkeys but we were lucky today and they wondered into town, so naturally, you have to get that photo moment. It’s pretty windy today a vast contrast to yesterday but you don’t let that get in the way of doing things. Since my last trip out here the Bakery is now open but a couple of the galleries were closed, I think it had something to do with the Mundi Mundi Bash that is starting.

On the way back from our Silverton experience we went up to see the Desert Living Sculptures about 10km out of Broken Hill. You now must pay to go up to view the sculptures and they sting you a pretty penny for the privilege. We wind our way through the landscape before reaching the carpark and embarking on our Sculptural experience. The weather is wearing away a lot of the carvings in some of the stones but others are still ok. Karl critiques the art, however his critic skills need some honing.

Back to have a rest and decide an easy dinner tonight of pizza. It wasn’t bad and an early night as we leave tomorrow to start the journey south and home.

Day 11 – Broken Hill to Hay

I actually had to set the alarm for this morning so we could have breaky and get on the road. We sleuthed another café on our wanders and this morning we are trying Soull Café & Expresso Bar. I think they have a little obsession with coffee. A simple breaky this morning as I don’t want to be riding on a full tummy, it tends to make you a bit drowsy.

Heading eastward into the sun, heading to Wilcannia for fuel. Once again along this stretch of road there are 1000’s of goats and mobs of long-legged feather dusters (emu) and the odd roo. Wilcannia is not somewhere I would stay but for fuel it was a must today. It was fairly busy and some interesting customers inside which I’m not sure created amusement or worry. Anyway, we are out and onto a stretch of road I’ve not done before, Cobb Highway from Wilcannia to Ivanhoe. This section of road was previously “dirt”, so I am pleased to confirm it is now ALL SEALED. Lunch in Ivanhoe, not one of my best planning options but necessary for fuel as the roadhouse doesn’t really do much in the way of food so it was a pie for me and sausage roll for Karl.

More flat plains and straight roads, watching Karl’s rear tyre which is now resembling a house brick…lol as we travel down into the northern end of Hay. We did pass a look out about 16km north of Hay where if you are so inclined to come back and view the sunsetting over the Hay Plains…. maybe next time when we are in the car. Bidgee Motor Inn is our choice for tonight and Jacky was very lovely welcoming us in. A wonder around town and found some lovely sculptures and of course some silo art. However, my biggest surprise was finding a café (with the same name as one in Corryong) but this one doesn’t do breakfast…WTF!! I mean what café doesn’t serve breaky. There is a bakery and a little fancy café but it doesn’t open until a bit later in the morning. Dinner at the Crown Hotel before returning to our room for our last night’s sleep on the road.

Day 12 – Hay to HOME!!!

We decided to have breaky in Narrandera this morning. This is a very familiar road for me and there is still a bit of water laying around but everything is green. The local bakery served us well this morning as it seems most of the other café’s are either closed or just not open yet. No hurry again today as it’s only about 450km to home.

We pull into home just before 4pm after hitting some rain…what a surprise it is winter. How good is that feeling!! It’s been a fabulous trip and to have Karl come with me on a bike ride that he wouldn’t normally do, just made it all the more special.

A total of 4909.6km for the trip over 12 days. Dudley has clocked up 132,206km with me so far and what a trooper he is.

Now to unpack, hot showers, chill out and figure out what to have for dinner.

Thanks for reading…..until the next adventure.

Plan in place, start docket acquired from the local servo and off I go in the general direction for the 1^st Southern Cross Distance Riders SA ride to Mannum – SCDR 01 SA. Now to make things interesting am going Silo hunting along the way.

It’s quite windy and you can see the smoke & smell it from the fires in western VIC. First cab of rank is Tungamah Silo Art – theme birdlife and closed off to get close it (as many of them are now for some reason).

Tumble weeds are everywhere poor Dudley’s radiator was covered in them. Then onto Katamatite Silo Art and fuel….NOTE: Katamatite DO NOT have Premium Unleaded but I had no choice I’d’ve not made the next stop.

Felt like I was zig zagging all over the place and onto another C road heading towards Picola for the next Silo Art. The colours in the Lorikeet are amazing.

Into Echuca to top up with Premium and pulled a heap more of tumble weeds from Dudleys radiator – the whole guard was covered with them….could’ve led to him to having breathing difficulties. Quick call to Karl and off again.

The wind is still strong and it’s still quite hot but the wind is kinda keeping the heat at bay. Next stop is Lake Boga Silo Art and hopefully a loo. Found the silo but it took a bit to get to the correct viewing side, which is the dirt track to the left BEFORE you cross the train track. This art has only been finished for 6 weeks and they haven’t got the signage or everything finished yet (alas no loo – hang on Kimmie).

The 14.7 kms to Swan Hill was very spirited to get to the motel and my overdue comfort stop….ahhhh.

Pioneer Station Motor Inn for me, a repeat stay, convenient to fuel and if you are lazy (read buggered) like I was Macca’s for dinner. The local RSL does a really good feed but I just didn’t have the energy for the walk.

Early chilly Sunday morning, glad I packed a cardi but had to stop in Manangatang to put on my emergency wet weather jacket to keep the chill out. Clear morning sky and the moon’s still out.

Onto Ouyen for the Big Wheat Statue and coffee to warm me from the inside.

Into SA & Pinnaroo for fuel, then Tailem Bend and the pic of the Rhino I have ridden past so many times.

Turn off the Dukes Hway towards Murrayville then onto Mannum. I’d forgotten to turn off avoidances and had me cross the river via ferry to get to the pub…..unexpected and pleasant detour 😊

Was met at the Mannum Hotel by great blokes with smiling faces that were very glad to see me. The rest of the group arrived except for the guys from WA who were thwarted by fires that closed the Eyre highway. Great to see Hackle, Scotlan, Chicky, Quinny & Derrick.

Bordertown came and I needed a sleep so into the OTR for fuel and a power nap, unscheduled but you have to listen to your body.

On hunting more Silo Art which took me to Kaniva and this beauty….not me the silo!!

Nhill for fuel and just a tip…DO NOT stop at the Ampol Roadhouse on the outskirts – the servo only has pay at pump and the restaurant section is totally seperate and not open most of the time. I rode out and went to the next Ampol further in town who does both and are friendly. It’s getting late and phone tonight motel to let them know I will be late.

Next stop is the Albacutya Silo Art, well so I thought it was. Into Rainbow where Googe said it was but I couldn’t find it anywhere. Rode around for 20 minutes then on the way out asked a local couple who informed me the Albacutya Silo Art is 10km down that road. Look at the clock, did some mental calculations and decided safety and dinner was more important than travelling a dodgy C road at night.

Had to be in Wycheproof by 7:50pm to be able to order dinner at the pub or miss out. Arrived at the Mount Wycheproof Motor Inn at 7:26pm, quickly unloaded Dudley into my cool room..thanks to Kelly & Phil for turning on my aircon for my late arrival before a spirited walk to the pub for a coldy and dinner.

You have to stay here if you are coming through, the rooms are super clean, generous size, the bathroom just sparkles and the bed was so comfy I slept like the dead.

After a great sleep in over to the Bakery on Broadway Wycheproof for breaky and good coffee. Lovely place with outdoor seating and a good array of local wears inside.

No silo hunting today, although I saw many town signs that I could’ve detoured down to get but honestly just wanted to get home as it was going to be a hot one.

I swear, I must’ve ridden & zig zagged along ever C & D road between Wycheproof & Yarrawonga this morning. Although some of the scenery is wonderful and an experience that most people wouldn’t even get. How can you not love this view.

Lunch & fuel in Yarrawonga before the push home. Needed to stop on the side of the road at Tallangatta to top up the camelback and tip the remaining water down my shirt to cool myself down.

Glad to pull into the drive at 3:30pm Sunday with 2084.1 kms for the long weekend & SCDR 01 Mannum done & dusted with a tidy 1002km

Wudinna SA to Mildura VIC

To say it was cold overnight was an understatement – poor Dudley froze at -2deg. No amount of clearing the windscreen or mirrors helped as they just refroze, as for the seat…it was rock hard. It really was a lovely mornings sky though with the pink streak and moon shining down on us…just freezing.

By the time I got to Kyancutta (12 km down the road) it was -5 degrees and thankful again for the heated suit, cos it certainly got a work out. The fog was thick as again, so it was slow and steady going until I got to Kimba but was still cold. Was too cold to stop even with the sun up and I didn’t want to unplug my heated suit…lol.

A break in the fog as the sun slowly peaked his head above the horizon.

Lots of road trains again and all just motoring along. Into Port Augusta for fuel and coffee and to get the blood circulating again. Once all the fog has gone it is truly another glorious day.

Check in with Karl and get back out there to find the Wilmington turnoff. Now Mr GPS kept telling me to do a u-turn which had me very confused and had me pulling onto the verge a couple of times to double check on the phone.

Finally with my head sorted out and heading in the right direction, I take the Wilmington turn off, stop for a photo (not in the right spot) of the old Davo Banner shot and had a couple moments silence before heading into the range to enjoy Horrocks Pass.

Well there was no enjoying Horrocks Pass today as the caravan drivers would not pull over so it was a slow and painful wind through the range until I could finally get past them all. Through Wilmington and onto Orroroo.

Was hoping to catch up with a blogger I follow Vantastic Aus however our stars didn’t align but I stopped anyway and waved a g’day anyhoos. It so peaceful out here, I didn’t realise how much I missed it.

Have I mentioned what a beautiful day it is now…sunshine and lollipops for as far as the eye can see and a few fixer uppers that could use some love and attention….maybe some new foundations and brickwork too!!

I was asking a friend recently who travelled through this way, did they see the windfarm blade at Burra but my mistake it’s actually at Mount Bryan just north of Burra. Sorry for the bum steer Tina.

Burra for fuel and the accustomed servo prepacked ham, cheese and tomato sambo which I sat on a bench in town to eat.

Into Renmark for fuel and had to stop this time at Paringa for the Silo art that I missed on the way over before reaching the Yamba Dunlop crossing……it’s pleasant not to have the sun in my eyes at this time of the day.

I keep seeing this person following me, so take a pic just in case it’s a stalker…..LOL

Finally almost home…..well maybe not just back in Victoria.

Into Mildura, fuel up get some Red Rooster for dinner which was surprisingly not greasy and nice, then into the Mildura Motor Inn for the night. I really nailed it with this motel – it’s palatial compared to all the others I’ve stayed in on this trip.

Bed after the block and I get a sleep in in the morning as only a short 400 odd kays tomorrow.

Border Village to Wudinna SA

All the time zones messed with my head and I didn’t get the greatest nights sleep. Was eventually woken by the music of exhaust tunes. Waves from rooms across the carpark and the banter and comradery is fantastic. Had to put a little air in Dudley’s rear tyre and then off I go.

The sun is blaring in your face and with the mist/moisture still clouding the screen made it hard to see. It was a chilling 1 degree this morning with the sun coming up and I was wondering whether my heated grips were actually working..lol

Into the Nullarbor Roadhouse for fuel and coffee and appears this was the plan of nearly everyone that left BV this morning as they all started to roll in. Met Chicky and his group and I joined them before we all headed off again.

It really is turning out to be another beautiful day….why wouldn’t you want to be out here.

About halfway between Nullarbor Roadhouse & Penong have my very own Outback Truckers experience, complete with police escort and told to “get off the road” so gingerly edged onto the rocky verge. Seriously had no room if I’d have stayed on the bitumen.

Play tag with the Chicky and the boys until we roll into Penong for lunch. Our playing tag is an ongoing event throughout the day until Ceduna…like playing leap frog.

Into Ceduna and other riders share waves all round as there are several groups at fuels stops and everybody is absolutely fabulous as you ride by waving back at them all.

Staying tonight in Wudinna….home to the Australian Farmer. Bumped into some more new friends at the servo and wished them well for the rest of the journey. For me it’s time to check in at The Gawler Ranges Motel unload then head into the pub to meet Eric, brother Ken, Jeff and a couple of others that had mentioned they were staying there tonight so I bought them a round, while we chewed the fat and reminisced about our journey to Border Village for the 2023 Border Run.

Note for next time….book at the Wudinna Hotel Motel, the rooms are heaps nicer, modern, attached to the pub which is also very nice and cheaper than what I booked and what I have in comparison.

Swapped details with one of the originators of the Border Run & The Pudding – Eric and hope that he drops me a line when he is on his travels..cos as always, if you are on two wheels and need a bed, cuppa or garage, the door is open.

Back at my motel that offers nothing, I walked to the servo to grab a steak sandwich for dinner, then walked back in total darkness (which was a little scary) to my less than ordinary room where the air-conditioner doesn’t work and we are supposed to have -2 tonight. Edit – I did eventually figure out the air-conditioner and it stayed on all night.

Tomorrow is another day and hopefully my choice in motels is much better.

Ceduna to Border Village – The Event!!

Got a good night’s sleep and woke to the alarm. Get ready but tummy is not happy so wait another half hour before heading out the door at 6:30am. Noticed a friends bike parked up next door but considering the hour and not knowing when they got in left them to their schedule undisturbed. It’s dark so the driving lights are very welcomed. Thought I’d just sit on about 80-90kph and settle into the darkness before hitting the speed limit but that was cut short as a trucks lights were very obvious in my mirrors, so up to speed with all lights blazing very quickly.

First stop Penong for fuel and a couple of pics of the largest windmill as you do, then off again bound for Nundroo. There really is not much out here but so much……houses are scattered amongst the plains and the vastness of the isolation is so apparent. It really does take your breath away.

The obligatory road signs out here are a bit different to the cities but nonetheless very notable and a reminder that you still need to be alert. Thankfully the only wildlife encountered has already met its maker, so it was dodging the remains this morning about 10 kays either side of Nundroo (known wombat territory).

It’s fresh but not that cold and a little windy but nothing like yesterday, so the ride so far is pretty good. Had to stop at the start of the Nullarbor for the sign pic, naturally before heading down to the Head of the Bight. Well, admission these days is $18 and while I only want a couple of pics, couldn’t see the value in that so took one from the carpark and left…it wasn’t very good so isn’t here.

Into Nullarbor Roadhouse for fuel and coffee and meet a couple of interesting fellas and guess where they were going…yep Border Village….doh. They are a little surprised that I am riding on my own but leave me to do my thing and head on their way.

Fair way down the road and I take a turn to a vantage point of the Bight. It’s my favorite big chunky rocks and gravel…argh!! Too late now, you’re in girlfriend so gingery I wiggle my way across this terrain and park Dudley up safely and go and take some pics….I’m sure the caravaners were having a good old laugh at me. The pics really don’t do the view justice, it is breathtaking.

The road is in really good condition and I have no idea why it is 3 colours.

Anyway, did you know the RFDS has a landing strip on The Nullarbor (Eyre Highway) with what is like pedestrian markings for the start and finish of it…..well it does.

Into Border Village and some riders had already arrived yesterday and today with more to arrive as the day goes on. Across to get the pic of the SA/WA sign (which is under repair atm) before heading back to start the socializing and complete my check-in with SCDR – job done!!!

Old and new faces, only 2 female riders this year and time to chill out. 2309.7 kms from home…WOO HOO!!

Dudley rocks!!

Renmark to Ceduna

Woke early, porridge for breaky and just got going, left Renmark about 6am in a clear and warm morning, lights blazing. Still required the heated suit though.

Noticed the sun starting to rise in my rear view and couldn’t resist at least having a crack at getting the pic without stopping and well it’s not bad.

Pretty non eventful along the Goyder Highway this morning and very mindful that 6 years ago along this very same stretch of road, I it a roo, so eyes were peeled waiting for the giant hopping rats. Thankfully none of them turned up.

Not far out of Burra there was evidence of rain and you could see that somewhere up the road I was going to run into some. Around Spalding it started not much but enough to keep you on your toes. Zigged and zagged through the lush green fields in this area and the GPS had me going through Georgetown instead of Crystalbrook to get to my next fuel at Shell Warnertown. Now doing calculations, kays versus fuel I wasn’t sure this was a good idea. By the time I got to Shell Warnertown, it was raining good and proper and I had been counting the kilometers as I’m still losing about 30kays on the tank. I pulled in on reserve without 2lt left.

Asked the old mate at the servo what the weather was like heading towards the Gutter and he reckoned I should miss most of it, as I was going through the middle. Well, it was intermittent all the way to Port Augusta and beyond. What I did notice that has changed is all the windfarms popping up, they stand there like white soldiers waiting for the weather gods to instruct them to turn.

Had moments of clear sky and pulled into Kimba – Halfway Across Australia for a pic of the Silo Art, lunch at the Big Gallah before grabbing some fuel for the next leg

Not sure if I got more wet from the actual rain or from the road trains I had to sit behind. Even had my own Outback Truckers experience sitting behind a 1-1/2 lane wide load. Sat at a safe distance and when it was appropriate he pulled slightly left to allow me through and the escort vehicle did the same when I caught up to him. Lucky because you couldn’t see a bloody thing from all the road spray even sitting that far behind…passing was interesting.

Between storms on the Eyre Highway and a reminder that I haven’t got that far to go today…only 399 kms

I’d forgotten how long and ribbony the road can seem….almost like Wiley Coyote grabbed one end of it and gave it one massive shake and it just rippled all the way along the highway and you cannot see the end.

Wuddina for fuel and 3 BMW blokes pulled in, all with Dick Strawbridge walrus moustaches and it went something like this.

Bloke: gday love, you going to the Border Run

Me: yep but I got get going cos I have a hydration failure and need parts.

Bloke: Can’t help maybe something in Ceduna. Well see you there, have a good ride.

Me: Thank you and you too!!

Skies looking a little threatening…..

Off I go now looking to find a camping or sporting store open as I’ve no idea when they close. No fear of fuel consumption, cranked on a little speed to ensure I made Ceduna by 4:30pm. Local sports store doesn’t sell camelback anything but they kindly directed me to a camping store on the main street. They didn’t have exactly what I need but had 2x alternatives that I could MacGyver to hopefully make work…..problem solved. Fuel and into my motel for the night which has a restaurant attached so I don’t have to go too far for dinner, which I hear you asking….yes, it was delicious.

MacGyvered the camelback spares to fit what I needed and now have Frankenbak….lol